New Search! Vice President of Development with Sandy Hook Promise!

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is proud to partner with Sandy Hook Promise in the search for their new Vice President of Development.

ABOUT SANDY HOOK PROMISE:

Sandy Hook Promise is a nonpartisan organization that was founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012. Sandy Hook Promise is dedicated to preventing gun violence and creating a culture of inclusivity, safety, respect, and kindness in schools and communities across the United States.

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that offers a range of evidence-informed programs and initiatives designed to empower youth, educators, and community members to recognize the signs preceding violence and to take steps to prevent it. Their programs include educational resources for schools, youth leadership programs, and community-based campaigns to raise awareness of the impacts of gun violence.

Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) that champions a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization.

Through its work, Sandy Hook Promise aims to build a movement of individuals and organizations committed to promoting gun safety, mental health awareness, and social and emotional learning. The organization has received widespread support from educators, parents, and lawmakers, as well as celebrities and public figures, and continues to play a vital role in the national conversation around gun violence prevention.

Learn more about Sandy Hook Promise here.  

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Sandy Hook Promise seeks an innovative, mission-driven Vice President of Development (VP) to expand its fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the CEOs and C-Suite, the VP will lead and manage a development team, cultivate transformational, high-level gifts, and strengthen constituent relationships by increasing awareness and building constituent support for the organization’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) work. The VP will also identify, cultivate, and actively manage a donor portfolio through prospecting, qualifying, and cultivating high-level donors and collaborate with leadership to achieve fundraising goals. This role requires a strategic, hands-on leader with a track record of success in major gift development and experience leading fundraising for large national organizations. They will possess the ability to effectively operationalize and implement such strategies into actionable plans and tangible results. The VP will be a player-coach responsible for motivating and developing a cohesive team while building and maintaining strong relationships with donors and focusing their energies toward radically increasing and securing six and seven-figure gifts from individuals and foundations.

The ideal VP will be a visionary and strategic leader with a proven track record of ensuring support for a best-in-class national nonprofit organization, both building on the current strong foundations and through the stewardship of existing supporters and the identification of new funding sources to ensure continuous growth of support for the mission and vision of Sandy Hook Promise across both the C3 and C4.

RESPONSIBILITY OVERVIEW:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s strategic plan and budgetary goals for the C3 and C4
  • Oversee and manage the organization’s fundraising programs, including major gifts, annual giving, foundation relations, and special events.
  • Serve as the leader of the development team, fostering a collaborative and goal-oriented culture amongst staff. Enhance the team’s effectiveness and productivity by providing coaching and mentorship, motivating team members with energy, passion, and clear expectations.
  • Manage a team of 3 professionals currently, with two approved Director-level roles to be hired following the VP joining the Sandy Hook Promise team.
  • Position Sandy Hook Promise for long-term success, increasing SHP’s giving beyond the $10 million threshold with a goal to double our major gifts revenue in the next 5 years.
  • Creatively and strategically expand the donor base, with a heightened focus on major gifts and the creation and management of events.
  • Work closely with the Marketing Department to leverage and upgrade SHP’s grassroots base and mid-level donors.
  • Manage a portfolio of key supporters, including the cultivation of six- and seven-figure gifts.
  • Leverage and deepen the relationships between the Development department and the Programs, Policy, Marketing, Finance, and Operations Departments to drive fundraising that will support overall organizational goals.
  • Ensure best-in-class donor gratitude, recognition, and stewardship of SHP donors.
  • Develop suite of donor communications materials, including strong cases for support and pitch materials, that will attract and engage a broader donor audience, customizing needs for both our program and policy work.
  • Ability to lead strategic pitches with current and prospective donors, both in coordination with other team members and on their own.
  • Foster and leverage relationships of SHP’s leadership, including the Board of Directors, CEOs, advisory boards, senior leadership team, and current donors to meet fundraising goals and grow our prospects and strategic connections.
  • Work with the senior leadership team to define how the development team will support the Sandy Hook Promise strategic plan, building long-term goals with a growth mindset, creative ideas, and clear vision that supports both the C3 and C4.
  • Leverage technology to enhance systems, processes, and structures within the development department, while still maintaining a personal touch and donor-centric mindset.
  • Champion the SHP’s commitment to fostering REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) within the organization and with its partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The ideal VP candidate will have fifteen years or more of progressive experience in nonprofit development, including three to five years at the senior level and five+ years of experience leading a team of experienced professionals.
  • The VP will have experience creating a compelling vision and strategy, and delivering a plan against that vision, for a national nonprofit organization.
  • A proven results-driven approach to scaling and achieving fundraising goals over the near- and long-term.
  • A comprehensive understanding of various fundraising channels, including major gifts, corporate giving, foundations, planned giving, donor-advised funds (DAFs), special events, grassroots support, matching campaigns, and capital campaigns.
  • Direct experience and expertise with individual and major giving including a track record of securing 6- and 7-figure gifts
  • A balanced approach to leadership, with the ability to operate strategically and tactically, partnering with senior leadership and the board while managing both team members and a pool of donors.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven skills with a proven ability to drive development decisions and achieve strategic objectives using metrics.
  • A demonstrated enthusiasm and motivation in developing a forward-thinking vision for fundraising.
  • Skilled in comprehending, synthesizing, and articulating complex information into a compelling case for support that motivates prospective donors to contribute.
  • Possesses exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate with highly talented team members, donors, and other stakeholders to achieve fundraising efforts.
  • An inspiring leader who will manage a team with a mix of experienced development professionals and new developing talent and will build synergy and a unified vision.  The VP of Development will have a servant leadership mentality, focus on the continuous learning and growth of team members, be open and receptive to thought partnership, new ideas, and feedback.
  • The ideal candidate will be resourceful, adaptable, and has achieved results in past roles   through persistence and a “hustle” mentality.
  • Stands as an “agent for change” with an understanding of and passion for gun violence prevention and related social justice movements.
  • Exemplifies the values and mission of SHP, inspiring and motivating others, including staff and supporters, building on SHP’s mission and vision for the future, and think entrepreneurially to inject new ideas and energy.
  • In addition to experience with 501(c)(3) organizations, experience with 501(c)(4) organizations preferred.
  • Strong technical skills, including with donor management systems. Sandy Hook Promise currently uses Salesforce.

LOCATION:

Remote withing the U.S. with travel for in-person meetings/trainings as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $160,000 – $180,000.

SHP follows a strict internal rubric to help guide salary placement and ensure equitable pay amongst new hires and current staff. New hires should expect to be brought on at the start of the range, except in extenuating circumstances.

SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Unlimited PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • 10 days sick leave
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • 401k match
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program.

Sandy Hook Promise operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. They provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, monthly Wi-Fi reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.

TO APPLY: 

To apply or nominate a candidate, please contact Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting at cindy@pillarsearch.com. Those applying are asked to submit both a resume and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employment

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. They strive to be an employer of choice where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. They are focused on promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion and believe deeply in having a workforce comprised of people of all beliefs and backgrounds who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Members of all under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Search Success: Maridel Perdomo Joins Families First as the Senior Director of Programs!

Families First and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are excited to announce, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, that Maridel Perdomo has joined Families First as the Senior Director of Programs.

This is an exciting time for Families First, as they are seeing incredible outcomes from their programs and are in the process of expanding across the state. With the launch of a 5-year business plan, the organization looks toward significant growth in the coming years.

Reporting to Family First’s Executive Director, Sue Covitz, Maridel will be responsible for the oversight and implementation of Families First’s regional programming in Greater Boston and Western MA. Through this work, she will prioritize Families First’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by engaging parents and the Families First team to inform regional and programmatic growth as the organization expands.

In addition, she will oversee Families First’s alumni services, support the evaluation and quality strategy, and support the program curricula and training strategy. She will serve on the leadership team to advance organizational goals and cross-departmental priorities and will execute and monitor expansion plans as a part of the 5-year business plan.

Maridel joins Families First from Schools for Children, where she was the Director of Extended Learning Programs. There, she was responsible for multi-site programs for 200 students and leading 30 staff members. Prior roles have included Site Director of YMCA at Gardner Pilot Academy, Preschool Director at Pine Village Preschool, and roles as Job Developer and Youth Program Director with Centro Latino. Maridel earned her master’s degree in public administration from Framingham State University, her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Salem State University, and also holds a degree in Human Resource Administration from Cecilio Acosta University in Caracas, Venezuela. Recently, Maridel served on the Board of Trustees of Watertown’s New Rep Theatre, where she was a member of the Diversity Committee and was involved in fundraising, budgeting, and the annual planning process.

About Families First: Families First’s mission is to partner with parents to amplify their power so they can positively impact the lives of children and communities through their groundbreaking programs. Their model includes parenting education and support, parent leadership, family engagement, and alumni services.

For more than 35 years, Families First has been a leader in providing parenting education across the Greater Boston area. The organization was founded in 1988 with the goal of helping parents navigate the diverse challenges of raising children by providing research-based parenting education services.

Today, Families First provides Massachusetts’s most comprehensive model for early childhood parenting education, family engagement, and parent leadership: The Power of ParentingTM program and The Ripple Program TM.

As a result of Families First’s high-impact, multi-tiered program model, parents will support the development of their children’s social-emotional and cognitive skills, embrace their role as the most important force in their children’s learning and well-being, and gain new skills and resources to support and advocate for their children as they grow. Learn more about this amazing organization at www.families-first.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

New Search! Chief People Officer with UTEC

Pillar Search is honored to partner with UTEC on the search for their new Chief People Officer (CPO). This role is hybrid and based in their office in Lowell, MA. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Human Resources professional with experience building a strong organizational culture, scaling growing organizations, and who shares UTEC’s commitment to diversity and social justice.

ABOUT UTEC

UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and intensive street outreach/gang peacemaking and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of their educational services, wraparound supports and counseling, social enterprise/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

Last year, UTEC served over 600 young adults including a range of outreach activities, and approximately 150 young adults intensively through their comprehensive program. During this fiscal year, 75% of young adults at UTEC avoided arrest. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way they serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley. Learn more about UTEC at https://utecinc.org.

UTEC values a strong, positive culture. Their organizational values are:

  • Assuming goodness behind everyone’s actions.
  • Show madd love, unconditionally accepting each person.
  • Offer everyone a clean slate, never giving up.
  • Carry out respectful curiosity, always seeking out moments to connect.
  • Be a sponge, actively seeking feedback.
  • Embody contagious passion in all they do.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Above all, the Chief People Officer will drive a joyful, mission-driven, and positive organizational culture!

The CPO is responsible for leading UTEC’s people and talent strategies, managing and mitigating organizational risks, and continuing the development of their human resource-related strategies, policies, and procedures. This role will be responsible for setting strategy, managing employee relations, workforce development, oversight of talent development and acquisition, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, staff and leadership training, policy development, benefits administration, and organizational compliance.

The CPO plays a key leadership role in supporting the agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of management and ensuring UTEC’ DEI vision is embodied in their work and workplace culture. This position acts as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on a variety of issues, including employee relations, leadership development, organizational culture, and talent management; therefore, strong expertise in executive-level management, communication, business process improvement, and DEI strategic planning with a social justice lens is required.

This position will report to UTEC’s incoming CEO.

The CPO will work to support and strengthen UTEC’s systems and culture with a customer service and growth mindset. They seek candidates with experience aligning their people and talent strategy to their business strategy. In addition, the CPO will bring expertise independently designing and executing human capital strategies and processes/process improvements across a large team, change management, leading an organization to implement new approaches to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion, ability to work across a dynamic and diverse set of relationships, managing complex and sensitive situations rounded in values and in accordance with HR best practices and the law. The PO will also focus on leading the administration of benefits, ensuring that he UTEC benefits continue to remain competitive and meet the needs of employees.

The new CPO will partner with Executive Management in fine-tuning a new performance management process and development of a system of alignment between compensation and performance management.

This role will lead and manage a talented team of HR professionals, including the Director of HR and HR Associate, providing ongoing feedback and coaching, annual review/goal setting, and serving as a strategic thought partner. This role will also oversee, as needed, recruitment consultants.

THE IDEAL CPO CANDIDATE

UTEC is seeking a values-driven CPO with experience as a senior organizational leader in human resources and recruitment with a strong background in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work, preferably in the nonprofit sector. The ideal CPO candidate will possess the following experiences and attributes:

  • Experience leading the HR function with a focus on employee experience.
  • Strong knowledge of current HR best practices, laws, and trends.
  • Deep understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and restorative justice as a steppingstone to transformative justice., the nuances of the topics aligned with it, and creating DEI initiatives.
  • Experience building inclusive and engaged workplaces, and cultural awareness and sensitivity with a lens on racial, gender, sexual identity, class, and all forms of oppression.
  • Ability to deal with conflict effectively and to manage difficult employee relations situations confidently and calmly.
  • A collaborative, influential, goal-oriented, and coaching focused style of leadership with direct reports, peers, employees, and leadership.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to find creative solutions to cultural, administrative, and organizational challenges.
  • A track record of successful change management.
  • Experience creating and/or implementing leadership development programs.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • A big-picture thinker who recognizes the impact of decisions and actions on the entire organization. Exhibits sound and accurate judgement and makes timely decisions.
  • Desire to be part of hardworking, collaborative, fun, and values-driven team.
  • At least 7 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 3-5 years at the management/director level, and proven experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on transformative and social justice.
  • Bachelors/Masters degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.
  • PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP a plus

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the CPO role is $130,000-$150,000 annually. This is a hybrid role, with 3 days per week in UTEC’s office in Lowell, MA.

UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 4 weeks of vacation (3 standard for all new employees and week of agency-wide closure between the Christmas and New Year holidays), 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, an annual cost of living increase, 457(b)-retirement plan, and up to $4,000 per employee of professional development support annually. With time, benefits increase to 6 weeks of vacation, increased coverage of health and dental insurance costs, and availability for a 3-week sabbatical.

UTEC stresses the importance of work-life balance and offers several wellness opportunities including additional time off (i.e., for the past two years they have closed at 3:00 p.m. on summer Fridays), an employee assistance program, down payment assistance for first-time home buyers, parental leave, bereavement support, and unlimited free coffee!

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

UTEC is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. You can read more about their commitment to diversity at https://utecinc.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.

TO APPLY

UTEC’s Chief People Officer search is being managed by Pillar Search & HR Consulting. Please submit your materials via the UTEC website at https://utecinc.applytojob.com/apply/R0J0CAPtZY/Chief-People-Officer

New Search! Chief Development Officer with UTEC

Pillar Search is honored to partner with UTEC on the search for their new Chief Development Officer (CDO). This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced development professional with expertise in growing support for an organization and leading a high-performing team.

ABOUT UTEC

UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and intensive street outreach/gang peacemaking and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of their educational services, wraparound supports and counseling, social enterprises/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

In 1999, UTEC was founded as the result of an organizing movement driven by young people to develop their own teen center in response to gang violence. In 2010, after ten years in operation as a drop-in center and safe space for young people of all ages, UTEC staff engaged in a Theory of Change process that led to a programmatic restructuring to provide intensive, integrated services for the most disconnected youth ages 17-25. UTEC decided to continue the organization’s gang prevention work and education programming, as well as expand its employment and transitional coaching services.

In 2011, UTEC began construction to expand and renovate its youth center in downtown Lowell to accommodate increased enrollment and grow their social enterprises. By 2016, UTEC had expanded its social enterprises into three industry areas: mattress recycling, woodworking, and food services. In 2017, the 2Gen Center @ UTEC opened its doors to provide onsite early education for young children of UTEC’s enrolled young adults.

Since 2019, UTEC has celebrated the grand opening of new program sites in Haverhill and Lawrence. In the same year, UTEC was selected as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ provider for a Gun Violence Prevention Training Center for Excellence, which is now the premier training facility in the state for addressing gun violence through both a public health and racial equity lens.

In FY22, UTEC served over 600 young adults including a range of outreach activities, and approximately 150 young adults intensively through their comprehensive program. During this fiscal year, 75% of young adults at UTEC avoided arrest. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way they serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley.

UTEC values a strong, positive culture. Their organizational values are:

  • Assuming goodness behind everyone’s actions.
  • Show madd love, unconditionally accepting each person.
  • Offer everyone a clean slate, never giving up.
  • Carry out respectful curiosity, always seeking out moments to connect.
  • Be a sponge, actively seeking feedback.
  • Embody contagious passion in all they do.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

UTEC is seeking a talented Chief Development Officer who is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and can act as an ambassador for UTEC and the important work they do, demonstrating a personal commitment to the organization’s values and imparting them to others, both within and outside the organization.

Reporting to the CEO, this position will lead an eight-person development team, carry a portfolio of high net-worth prospects, and create a vision and strategy for doubling UTEC’s philanthropic revenue over the next several years.

The CDO will be a member of UTEC’s senior leadership team and work closely with the Board and the Advisory Committee.

UTEC has had success closing 6 and 7-figure gifts from individuals and has a strong individual pipeline that needs to be cultivated. This will be an area of focus and opportunity for the CDO.

Leadership and Management

  • Lead an overall team of six professionals, which includes three direct reports (Director of Principal Gifts, Director of Major Gifts (to be hired), and Director of Advancement and Donor Services).
  • Create and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive development strategy and measurable plan to grow philanthropic revenue, with an emphasis on individual giving.
  • Develop short-term and long-term fundraising goals and benchmarks and analyze the effectiveness of all development initiatives regularly.
  • Working closely with the Director of Advancement and Donor Services, develop and execute best practice development systems and operations to support a successful and rapidly growing development program.
  • Mentor, inspire and grow the development staff.

Prospect and Portfolio Management

  • Collaborating with other members of the UTEC organization, develop strategies for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.
  • Personally build and manage a portfolio of individual and institutional prospects.
  • Engage leadership in key donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
  • Build on current stewardship activities to deepen relationships with current donors.
  • Develop and implement new engagement strategies.

Key Qualifications

  • Strong commitment to social justice and serving UTEC’s young people.
  • Successful track record of closing major gifts and building productive relationships with boards, donors, and colleagues at all levels
  • Solid understanding of development best practices and insight into how technology supports philanthropy.
  • Experience leading and managing a team of development professionals.
  • Passion for supporting the professional development of direct reports through coaching, mentoring and a strengths-based approach.
  • Strategic, persuasive, and action-oriented – entrepreneurial and comfortable taking calculated risks
  • Able to represent UTEC’s diverse culture
  • Flexible and resourceful self-starter who can work well in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • A great sense of humor and an ability to collaborate with colleagues at all levels.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some night and weekend events as needed.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Experience with Salesforce a plus.

Salary/Benefits: The salary range for the Chief Development Officer role is $130,000 – $150,000. UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 4 weeks of vacation (3 standard for all new employees and a week of agency-wide closure between the Christmas and New Year holidays), 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, an annual cost of living increase, a 457B retirement plan and up to $4,000 per employee of professional development support.  With time, benefits grow to include up to 6 weeks of vacation, 80% coverage of employee health and dental insurance costs and availability for a 3-week sabbatical.

UTEC also stresses the importance of work-life balance and offers several wellness opportunities including additional time off (i.e., for the past two years we have closed at 3pm on Fridays during the summer months), an employee assistance program, down payment assistance for first time home buyers, parental leave, bereavement supports and unlimited free coffee!

TO APPLY

This search is being led by Pillar Search & HR Consulting. Please submit your materials to Cindy Joyce via the UTEC career page at https://utecinc.applytojob.com/apply/G9cCnM9JMX/Chief-Development-Officer.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

UTEC is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. You can read more about their commitments here. 

Search Success: Michelle Bleau Has Been Named Director of Housing Development With ONE Neighborhood Builders

ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) and Pillar Search and HR Consulting are excited to share that, following an extensive search, Michelle Bleau has been named Director of Housing Development.  In this role, she will lead housing development activities, supervising a team of project managers who advance projects through pre-development, construction, and into leasing. Michelle will represent ONE|NB and its interests externally, collaborating with consultants, project partners, financing entities, and others to successfully build high-quality housing. 

Michelle originally joined ONE|NB in 2022 as Project Manager for Real Estate Development. Michelle’s work in that role focused on deal sourcing, acquisition, design, community and partnership engagement, permitting & approvals, financing, consultant procurement, and construction.

Prior to joining ONE|NB, Michelle worked for a private development firm headquartered in Boston, where she was responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations and correspondences associated with acquisitions, predevelopment, permitting, design, development, marketing, leasing, and sales of large scale multifamily and condominium projects in the Greater Boston area. Throughout her project work, Michelle collaborated with many nonprofit organizations and community development corporations, helping to source and allocate funding for community benefits, as well as forming partnerships to create affordable and mixed-income housing.

Michelle attended Roger Williams University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She attended Boston University, Commercial Real Estate Certificate Program, NAIOP of Massachusetts, Continuing Education in Commercial Real Estate Program, and Freedom Trail Realty, MA Salesperson Licensing Program. 

ABOUT ONE NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDERS: ONE Neighborhood Builders (ONE|NB) is a nonprofit community development leader in Rhode Island that is expanding its work to the broader Greater Providence area while maintaining its deep roots in its historic home of Olneyville. ONE|NB’s mission is to develop affordable housing and engage neighbors to cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Since its founding in 1988, then as Olneyville Housing Corporation, ONE|NB has developed 466 affordable apartments; 130 for-sale homes for low- to moderate-income homebuyers; and nearly 34,000 square feet of commercial and community space—totaling more than $135 million of investments. ONE|NB is the convening entity of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone, which brings together residents, more than five dozen community-based organizations, health professionals, local businesses, elected officials, and others to address root causes of health disparities and to improve neighborhood conditions. As the convener, ONE|NB is the backbone organization of this collective-impact initiative to increase economic mobility for residents in Central Providence. ONE|NB also created the first free community wireless network in Rhode Island, providing high-speed broadband to nearly 3000 unique users in the Olneyville neighborhood. For more information about ONE|NB, please visit their website.  

ABOUT PILLAR SEARCH & HR CONSULTING: A woman-owned business and Certified Diversity Recruiter based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information about Pillar, please visit our website

Search Success: Jonathan Karron Joins Sandy Hook Promise as Vice President of Marketing!

Sandy Hook Promise and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Jonathan Karron to the position of Vice President of Marketing. Jonathan joined the organization on May 22, 2023.

As Vice President of Marketing, Jonathan will leverage his extensive background in brand building, fundraising, and marketing fundamentals to support Sandy Hook Promise, a fast-growing organization that is making a difference and saving the lives of young people. Jonathan will be leading a highly skilled department that is responsible for development, planning and execution of all SHP brand marketing, internal and external communications, media and public relations, web content and digital marketing management, collateral, and graphic design. The team has won two Emmy awards for “Outstanding Commercial” and countless Cannes Lions, Effies, Webby Awards, and other recognitions.

Most recently, Jonathan was the Chief Marketing Officer of V Foundation, a nonprofit that funds cancer research. Prior leadership roles in the nonprofit sector include Vice President, Digital Marketing and Revenue at American Cancer Society and National Vice President, Brand and Digital Strategy at Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Earlier in his career, Jonathan held marketing leadership roles with Herschend Family Entertainment marketing theme parks and attractions including Dollywood and Silver Dollar City and at Turner Broadcasting, working on flagship brands such as Turner Classic Movies, TNT, and TBS. Jonathan has also been an Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University since 2010.

Jonathan earned his MBA with a focus on marketing from Georgia State University and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from University of Maryland. Jonathan’s current volunteer roles include the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta,; Leadership Atlanta; Action Cycling Atlanta, where he formerly served as Board President; and CHRIS 180, where he serves on the marketing and advisory committees. He resides in Atlanta, GA.

About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. For more information about Sandy Hook Promise, please visit https://www.sandyhookpromise.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

New Search: Vice President of Marketing with Sandy Hook Promise

Pillar Search is honored to partner with Sandy Hook Promise on their search for the new Vice President, Marketing. This is a remote role. Qualified candidates are encouraged to email their cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Pillar’s Founder/Executive Search Consultant at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

About Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise(SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the lifesaving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships.

SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

SHP strives to ensure its culture and work environment reflect the values of race, diversity, equity, and inclusion (REDI) and is responsive to the views and issues of the diverse communities with which we live and work. SHP encourages individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion to apply.

Position Summary

This is the role you’ve been waiting for – an opportunity to leverage your extensive background in brand building and marketing fundamentals on a fast-growing brand that is making a difference and saving the lives of young people. You are joining a high-performing team that has won two Emmy awards for “Outstanding Commercial” and countless Cannes Lions, Effies, Webby Awards, and other recognitions. Not only will you be driving the brand but will also drive growth on grassroots fundraising that makes up 60% of the organization’s operating budget.

As the Vice President of Marketing (VP), you will be leading a highly skilled department that is responsible for development, planning and execution of all SHP brand marketing, internal and external communications, media and public relations, web content and digital marketing management, collateral, and graphic design. Additionally, as the VP you will ensure consistency in messaging and strengthening SHP awareness across all touchpoints, internally and externally.  You will be refining the marketing and brand vision collaboratively across departments internally as well as with partners and agencies externally.  You will be managing relationships with world-class CMOs, agencies, and media leaders to evolve our brand vision and create compelling messaging and creative that drives brand equity and fundraising results. With your work, we will advance SHP’s thought leadership, program impact, and policy objectives.  This role will support the work of both the Foundation (c3) and the Action Fund (c4).

In this role, you will lead and manage a large and highly talented team with 3 direct reports who manage an additional 3 communications professionals and 5 digital marketing professionals. The VP will also work closely with the marketing team and the COO to manage external agency partners across disciplines, including ad creative, digital marketing/fundraising, media, public relations, and others as needed.

This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Job Responsibilities

Marketing/Branding

  • Responsible for (and gate keeper of) the overall SHP Brand / SHP Programs marketing, brand treatment, and promotional execution – including directing key messages, brand identity/guidelines, advertising, and delivery channels – this role collaborates and aligns on overall strategy and execution with the C-suite.
  • Lead holistic vision and strategy for all marketing and branding across all touchpoints, including all elements of Comms/PR, Digital, and all other messaging/advertising; delivering on objectives for both C3 and C4 SHP organizations.
  • Lead media strategy and work with SHP’s Media Advisory Board, ensuring strong continued media donations and continuous innovation on how to change the narrative on gun violence.
  • Ensures marketing and communications support of activities surrounding all SHP PSA campaigns, evergreen messaging, fundraising messaging, events, conferences, speaking engagements, and other such functions by developing and producing related collateral.
  • Responsible for all grassroots fundraising (~65% of total organization’s revenue) driving winning strategies across traditional and advanced technology mediums, including email, SMS, SEO/SEM, and digital/social 47ad fundraising.
  • Leads colleagues and stakeholders to understand and support the branding, marketing and communications strategies.
  • Ensures the highest standard of editorial quality of print and electronic media communications, assuring timely access to information by members.

General

  • Supports and guides both Communications and Digital teams to deliver all goals for the teams, ensuring strong fundamentals, continuous innovation, and growth of team members.
  • Identifies the need for, develops guidelines for, and directs the activities of external resources as it pertains to branding and marketing, such as outside consultants, including advertising agencies, public relations agencies, graphic designers, website designers, marketing professionals, and speech and freelance writers.
  • Identifies and develops relationships/partnerships with third parties such as community leaders, academics, companies, thought leaders, associations, etc. that could be influential on behalf of the organization and continue to support our thought leadership in gun violence prevention (GVP) and school safety
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of progressive experience in senior marketing/brand management/communications positions within a corporation or nonprofit, including significant diversified management experience.
  • Passion for brand building and marketing with proven ability to get the best creativity out of teams to develop the next evolution of SHP communications.
  • Ability to lead strategies and campaigns for both brand-building and performance marketing, with a history of continually innovating and testing new ideas.
  • Proven track record of developing successful marketing strategies, leveraging multiple marketing disciplines, that contributed to the achievement of set goals and mission of the organization.
  • Strong experience/understanding of communications, digital marketing, and media.
  • Exceptional written and oral communicator who displays a strong sense of vision, sophistication and a collaborative, creative, and strategic approach to communication.
  • Experience hiring, coaching, and managing a highly talented and diverse team.
  • In-depth experience managing and coaching for top-quality outputs from internal teams and external consultants/agencies (e.g. public relations agencies, creative ad agencies, media agencies, etc.)
  • Proven ability to create, communicate strategies and well-organized plans and deliver them with excellence by necessary deadlines.
  • Ability to re-prioritize and react when necessary to urgent rapid response moments.
  • Experience handling sensitive and confidential issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and foster relationships internally and externally.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to solve problems, work independently, and excel in a high-performance culture.
  • Takes an ambitious, innovative, and creative approach to communications/marketing strategies.
  • Adept in Microsoft Office Applications, proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook; ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.
  • Willingness to travel as necessary (Approx 5-10%)

Benefits and Salary Range

The starting salary for this position is $140,000-160,000. SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health, dental, and vision
  • Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • 401k match
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance

This is a fully remote position.  SHP operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. We provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, monthly WIFI reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.

Equal Opportunity Employment

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be an employer of choice: where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are focused on promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion and believe deeply in having a workforce comprised of people of all beliefs and backgrounds who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Members of all under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Sandy Hook Promise has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting for the Vice President of Marketing search. Please submit your materials (cover letter and resume) to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. Pillar’s Founder, Cindy Joyce, is a Certified Diversity Recruiter. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.